Bonnefous Claire, Collin Anne, Guilloteau Laurence A, Guesdon Vanessa, Filliat Christine, Réhault-Godbert Sophie, Rodenburg T Bas, Tuyttens Frank A M, Warin Laura, Steenfeldt Sanna, Baldinger Lisa, Re Martina, Ponzio Raffaella, Zuliani Anna, Venezia Pietro, Väre Minna, Parrott Patricia, Walley Keith, Niemi Jarkko K, Leterrier Christine
INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, Nouzilly, France.
JUNIA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, Lille, France.
Front Vet Sci. 2022 Aug 5;9:952922. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.952922. eCollection 2022.
In free-range and organic production systems, hens can make choices according to their needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions. Nonetheless, health and behavioral problems are also encountered in these systems. The aim of this article was to identify welfare challenges observed in these production systems in the EU and the most promising solutions to overcome these challenges. It is based on a review of published literature and research projects complemented by interviews with experts. We selected EU specific information for welfare problems, however, the selected literature regarding solutions is global. Free range use may increase the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses and parasites. Preventive methods include avoiding contamination thanks to biosecurity measures and strengthening animals' natural defenses against these diseases which can be based on nutritional means with new diet components such as insect-derived products, probiotics and prebiotics. Phytotherapy and aromatherapy can be used as preventive and curative medicine and vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides. Bone quality in pullets and hens prevents keel deviations and is favored by exercise in the outdoor range. Free range use also lead to higher exposure to variable weather conditions and predators, therefore shadow, fences and guard animals can be used to prevent heat stress and predation respectively. Granting a free range provides opportunities for the expression of many behaviors and yet many hens usually stay close to the house. Providing the birds with trees, shelters or attractive plants can increase range use. Small flock sizes, early experiences of enrichment and personality traits have also been found to enhance range use. Severe feather pecking can occur in free range production systems, although flocks using the outdoor area have better plumage than indoors. While many prevention strategies are facilitated in free range systems, the influence of genetics, prenatal and nutritional factors in free range hens still need to be investigated. This review provides information about practices that have been tested or still need to be explored and this information can be used by stakeholders and researchers to help them evaluate the applicability of these solutions for welfare improvement.
在自由放养和有机生产系统中，母鸡可以根据自身需求和欲望做出选择，这符合福利的定义。尽管如此，这些系统中也会出现健康和行为问题。本文的目的是确定在欧盟这些生产系统中观察到的福利挑战以及克服这些挑战最有前景的解决方案。它基于对已发表文献和研究项目的综述，并辅以专家访谈。我们选取了欧盟关于福利问题的特定信息，然而，所选的关于解决方案的文献是全球性的。自由放养可能会增加感染某些细菌、病毒和寄生虫的风险。预防方法包括通过生物安全措施避免污染，以及通过营养手段增强动物对这些疾病的天然抵抗力，例如使用昆虫衍生产品、益生菌和益生元等新的饮食成分。植物疗法和芳香疗法可作为预防和治疗药物，疫苗可替代抗生素和杀虫剂。小母鸡和母鸡的骨骼质量可防止龙骨偏差，而户外放养中的运动有利于骨骼质量。自由放养还会使鸡更多地暴露在多变的天气条件和捕食者面前，因此可以分别使用遮荫设施、围栏和护卫动物来预防热应激和捕食。给予自由放养为许多行为的表达提供了机会，但许多母鸡通常会待在鸡舍附近。为鸡提供树木、庇护所或有吸引力的植物可以增加其在放养区域的活动。研究还发现，小群体规模、早期的丰富体验和个性特征也能增加鸡在放养区域的活动。自由放养生产系统中可能会发生严重的啄羽行为，尽管使用户外区域的鸡群羽毛状况比室内的要好。虽然自由放养系统有利于实施许多预防策略，但自由放养母鸡的遗传、产前和营养因素的影响仍有待研究。本综述提供了有关已测试或仍需探索的做法的信息，利益相关者和研究人员可以利用这些信息来评估这些解决方案对改善福利的适用性。
